Truss



J. YOUNG.

(No Model.)

TRUSS.

No. 533,773. Patented Feb. 5, 1393'.

MTNEEEEE UNITED STATES PATENT @Errani JAMES YOUNG, OF CAMBRIDGE,MASSACHUSETTS.

TRUSS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 533,773, dated February5, 1 895.

Application led Tune 9, 1894. Serial No. 613,991 (No model.)

To @ZZ whom t may concern,.-

Be it known that I, JAMES YOUNG, of Cambridge, in the county ofMiddlesex and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and usefulImprovement in Trusses, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of trusses which are used asabdominal supporters, and it consists primarilyin a truss having insteadof pads one or more cushions, each having a bearin g surface consistingof a clusterof cias` tic projections which serve not only to transmitpressure from the belt to the abdomen, but as they are capable ofyielding somewhat, allow the belt to yield slightly to the motions ofthe body without permanently changing its position, these projectionsacting as pivots about which the cluster can yield slightly.

My invention will be understood by reference to the drawings, in which-Figure l is a perspective view of a truss embodying my invention, thestrap which is intended to pass around the body being omitted. Fig. 2 isa perspective view of one of the cushions or clusters, the cotton orother fabric which ordinarily covers it, being removed. Fig. 3 is avertical section, and Fig. l is a section showing the position of thecushion with reference to the belt when in use.

A, A are two cushions attached by set screws b to the slotted pelvis barB. These cushions each consist of a cluster of elastic projectionssuitably supported, I prefer to construct them as follows Theseprojections which are marked c are preferably formed of thick rubbertubing and for convenience are cast upon a thin rubber plate a? which iscemented to a plate a of wood or other stiff material so as to form afirm backing for the cushion. To steady the projections and make theiraction more uniform, I provide a plate C which is provided with holes ccorresponding in number and position with the projections a. Theprojections a are passed through the holes c and the plate C issupported thereon in substantially the position shown. It is held inplace between a number of shoulders on certain of the projections d andone or more pins c3, this being a simple mode of construction. It willthus be seen that should there be any tendency to move the cushionsidewise that tendency will aifect only the plate a. The pressure willbe distributed over the whole bearing surface of the cushion and theprojections will keep their position on the body and yet will allow thetruss to conform to the movements of the wearer.

The pelvis bar B is made preferably of a strip of stiff steel providedwith slots h as shown, through which pass the thumb screws b which holdthe cushions in place. Between these slots the bar is bent outwardly asshown at b', the purpose of this being to allow the bar to yieldslightly at that point from time to time to conform to the movements ofthe user, and yet keep all pressure olf from the body, and so preventmuch of the discomfort which is usual to the wearer of a truss. At apoint h2 on each side of the pairof cushions the bar is given a slighttwist as shown and to the extremity of the bar is fastened the hingedarms D which pass round the body. The slight twist referred to issufcient to give a slight upward pressure to the cushions and so holdthem that when the belt Vpasses horizontally round the body (as it isintended it should) the pivotal projections a will be inclined upwardinstead of lying horizontal. This is a great improvement as it causesthe cushion to hold up or lift the parts against which it bears, as wellas to hold them in.

My improved truss is simple of construction, its novelty lying in thefact that the cushion shown consists of a cluster of elastic pivotswhich, while they will not change position on the body to conform to itsmovement, yet by their elasticity will enable the truss to yieldsidewise to conform to the movements of the wearer and which, unlike theordinary pad which has an egg-shaped face tending to enlarge theafflicted part rather than ease it, bears evenly upon it and upon thesurface of the body adjoiningit. Thus the truss is much easier and morebenelicial to the wearer than any of the trusses now known to me.

I am aware that a door mat has been made of rubber having a series ofsolid projections capable of yielding somewhat to the foot of the userwhen brushing his shoe thereon. I

IOO

am also aware that a Douche nozzle has been made consisting of a chamberhaving a series of perforated projections which can be used as a brushand also as a shower bath nozzle, and I do not claim either of thesedevices.

What I claim as my invention is- 1. The truss above described consistingof a belt carrying a cushion formed of a cluster of elastic projectionssuitably mounted and attached to said belt, each projection beingadapted to engage with the body ofthe wearer and the cushion as a Whole,being adapted to yield laterally Without disturbing the points ofcontact with the body of the wearer, all as and for the purposes setforth.

2. In a truss, a cushion, consisting of a cluster of elastic projectionssuitably mounted, in combination With the supporting plate C mountedthereon, substantially as described and adapted for the purposes setforth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 6th day of June,1894.

JAMES YOUNG.

lVitnesses:

GEORGE O. G. CoALE, ERA A. GUILD.

